How long after a breast lift an augmentation can I go on a diet and cut calories to lose a few pounds? (photos)

Question

I had a breast uplift and augmentation 3weeks ago. I am v.happy with the results and the wounds are healing very nicely. I weigh 144 pounds,my ideal weight is 128 pounds. I take care to get proper nutrition, plenty of protein and I take a complete dietary supplement of micronutrients.With that in mind, how would cutting my calorie intake by 500 cals per day (from 1600cals to 1100cals) affect the wound healing process? Will my body continue to heal as well as long as i have the rda of essentials?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

For the first 2 to 3 weeks it is important that you are taking adequate calories and protein.  I would not diet for at least a couple of months after surgery.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

It is best not to "diet" after plastic surgery as your body needs the nutrition to heal.  If you are starving yourself, it will affect the results in terms of healing.  I would suggest at least 6-12 weeks before you embark on any type of calorie restriction.  More importantly, I would suggest have a healthy and nutritious diet and get back to exercise as soon as your surgeon says it is ok.  Good Luck

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about breast lift with implants.I would think that you need to maintain a healthy diet and heal for at least six weeks prior to "dieting". I don't recommend dieting, rather healthy diet and exercise.

To be sure, check with your PS or see two or more experienced,
board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation.

I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that you need to allow for the wounds to completely heal before going on a restrictive diet.  This could affect your wound healing if you start too soon.

Patrick L. Basile, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on a great result. The time after surgery requires an increased amount of nutrition to properly heal. After surgery or trauma the body requires about 1.2-1.5 grams/kg of body weight per day (compared to 0.8 grams/kg during normal times) of protein to maintain healthy healing. Your carbohydrate intake should be about 50-60% and your fat intake should be about 10-20% of your total calories. Regarding calorie intake, someone of your size should intake about 2000 calories a day after surgery to maintain healthy healing. This can be safely tapered down after 6-8 weeks post-surgery, but 1100 calories a day is a little low. Maintaining a diet of 1500 calories a day combined with exercise should allow you to slowly lose pounds and help you achieve your ideal weight.

How long after a breast lift an augmentation can I go on a diet and cut calories to lose a few pounds? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Diet and healing

Answer: Diet and healing

Answer: Nutrition after breast augmentation and breast lift

Answer: Nutrition after breast augmentation and breast lift

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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How long after a breast lift an augmentation can I go on a diet and cut calories to lose a few pounds? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Diet and healing

Answer: Diet and healing

Answer: Nutrition after breast augmentation and breast lift

Answer: Nutrition after breast augmentation and breast lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.